11 November 2023

Q1. In the Vijayanagra Empire, kudirai chettis were known as:

1. horse traders
2. dealers in jewellery
3. quarry workers
4. Peasants

A – Explanation:

Competing kingdoms relied heavily on the importation of horses from Arabia and Central Asia since warfare during this era relied on effective cavalry. Arab traders initially had dominance over this commerce. Local groups of traders known as “kudirai chettis” or “horse traders” also took part in these transactions.

Q2. Choose the appropriate statements based on the following statements:

1. A significant political advancement of the Vijayanagara Empire was the amara-nayaka system.
2. Many elements of the Delhi Sultanate’s iqta system are probably borrowed from this one.
3. The raya gave the amara-nayakas, who were military leaders, territory to rule.

Using the code below, choose the right response.

1. only 1 and 2
2. only 1 and 3
3. only 2 and 3
4. 1, 2 and 3

B – Explanation:

A significant political advancement of the Vijayanagara Empire was the amara-nayaka system. Many elements of this system most likely came from the Delhi Sultanate’s iqta system. The raya gave the amara-nayakas, who were military leaders, territory to rule. From local farmers, artisans, and tradesmen, they gathered taxes and other fees. They kept a portion of the money for their own use and to keep the contingent of horses and elephants that was agreed upon.

Q3. Choose the appropriate answers from the following statements about the Battle of Talikota:

1. The Vijayanagara Army engaged in combat with the combined armies of Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, and Golconda.
2. Vijayanagara was sacked by the winning army, which caused the city to be abandoned within a few years.

Using the code below, choose the right response.

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

C – Explanation:

After Krishnadeva Raya’s passing in 1529, strain started to manifest itself inside the imperial system. Nayakas, or military commanders, who were in rebellion caused problems for his successors. Another reigning family, the Aravidu, took over central authority in 1542 and stayed in charge until the end of the seventeenth century. The military aspirations of the Deccan Sultanates and the kings of Vijayanagara at this time, as well as earlier, led to a changing of allegiances. This ultimately resulted in a Sultanate alliance against Vijayanagara. The combined armies of Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, and Golconda defeated Rama Raya, the chief minister of Vijayanagara, and his army in the battle of Rakshasi-Tangadi (also known as Talikota), which took place in 1565. Vijayanagara was taken over by the winning armies. Within a few years, the city had been completely abandoned. The Aravidu dynasty reigned in the east from Penukonda and then from Chandragiri (near Tirupati), where the empire’s attention now turned.

Q4. The Vijayanagara Empire’s amara-nayakas were:

1. royal spies who transported intelligence from one empire’s region to another
2. Hindu Diwans who have been designated as state landlords
3. experts charged with deciphering old religious texts
4. military leaders who were given control of territory

D – Explanation:

A significant political advancement of the Vijayanagara Empire was the amara-nayaka system. The iqta system of the Delhi Sultanate is likely the source of many aspects of this system. Amara-nayakas collected taxes and other dues from local peasants, artisans, and traders. The amara-nayakas sent tribute to the king annually and personally appeared in the royal court with gifts to express their loyalty. The amara-nayakas retained part of the revenue for personal use. They also used it to maintain a specified contingent of horses and elephants.

Q5. Take into account the following statements:

1. Travellers from Portugal named Domingo Paes and Fernao Nuniz went to his Empire.
2. In his Empire lived the south Indian mathematician Nilakantha Somayaji.

To what does the preceding refer?

1. Pratipala
2. Mahismati Navdevya
3. I, Rajaraja
4. Krishnadevaraya

D – Explanation:

Expansion and consolidation defined Krishnadeva Raya’s reign. At this time, the Sultan of Bijapur suffered devastating defeats (1520), the territory known as the Raichur doab (between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers) was gained (1512), and the kings of Orissa were subdued (1514). The kingdom thrived in circumstances of unmatched peace and prosperity even though it was always in a posture of armed readiness. Many significant south Indian temples received stunning gopuram additions thanks to Krishnadeva Raya’s construction of some fine temples. He also established Nagalapuram, named after his mother, as a suburban township close to Vijayanagara. The most thorough accounts of Vijayanagara are from his reign or the period immediately following.

Q6. Take into account these statements regarding the Vijayanagara Empire:

1. The Empire’s rulers outlawed the use of Chinese porcelain.
2. Plans were established to collect and transport rainfall to the city.
3. The Empire was surrounded by fortifications that confine agricultural land.

Using the codes below, choose the right response.

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 only
4. 1 and 3 only

B – Explanation:

In various parts of the Empire, archaeologists have discovered beautiful Chinese porcelain, which suggests that wealthy traders may have resided there. The first claim is untrue. The river Tungabhadra, which runs in a north-easterly direction, creates a natural basin in the vicinity of Vijayanagara. Water from this tank was used to irrigate fields nearby as well as to transport water to the “royal centre” via a conduit. The Hiriya canal is one of the most recognisable water features to be found among the ruins. Statement 3: The monarch of Persia’s ambassador, Abdur Razzaq, said that there were seven lines of forts because he was so pleased with the defences. Not just the city but also its forested and agricultural surroundings were encompassed by them.  According to Abdur Razzaq, there are agricultural fields, gardens, and homes situated between the first, second, and third walls.  During mediaeval sieges, the goal was to starve the defenders to death. These encirclements may endure for several months or even years. Typically, kings constructed sizable granaries within of fortified districts in an effort to be ready for such circumstances.

Q7. One of Hampi’s most remarkable buildings is the Dasara Dibba. Which of the following did the King employ it for?

1. watching military parades and combat drills
2. doing sacrificial Yagnas

Which of the aforementioned is/are true?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

A – Explanation:

Statement 1: The Dasara Dibba, one of the tallest buildings in Hampi’s Royal Enclosure, draws attention. The stone platform is around 12 metres high. The kings watched the nine-day spectacular Mahanavami festival, also known as the Dasara festival, from the magnificent platform, which they used as a stage. As a result, the platform earned the moniker Mahanavami Dibba. The king used to sit on the decorative platform, a tall building, to view the royal procession, the war games, and the army march-past that took place during the festival. The Vijayanagara kings lavishly celebrated Dasara, the yearly state festival.

Q8. The Vijayanagar Empire was one of the richest regions in the globe at the time, according to tales from foreign tourists. Which of the following statements made by these tourists is true?

1. The monarchs built irrigation systems for use in farming.
2. The monarchs forbade the guild-based organisation of industries.
3. In the Empire, shipbuilding had become an art.
4. The Empire’s two main exports were horses and pearls.

Using the codes below, choose the right response:

1. 1, 2 and 3 only
2. 2 and 4 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

C – Explanation:

Statement 1: The people’s main line of work remained agriculture. The irrigation facilities supplied by the Vijayanagar emperors served as a catalyst for the region’s subsequent expansion. New tanks were created, and dams like Tunghabadra were built across rivers. Nuniz is referring to canal excavation. Statement 2: A variety of industries existed and were grouped into guilds. During this time, metalworkers and other artisans prospered. So, 2 is incorrect. Statement 3: Cotton and silk clothing, spices, rice, iron, saltpetre, and sugar were the main exports. Horses, pearls, copper, coral, mercury, China silk, and velvet clothing were among the imports. 4: Trade between inland, coastal, and foreign countries contributed to overall prosperity. The Malabar Coast had a number of seaports. The art of shipbuilding had evolved as a result of the thriving maritime trade.

Q9. The construction of temples accelerated during the Vijayanagar era. Which of this best describes the architectural style of the Vijayanagara temples?

1. Mandapams were removed from temple construction to allow for larger crowd sizes.
2. The most prevalent animal depicted in these temples’ pillars was the horse.

Which of the aforementioned is/are true?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

B – Explanation:

The erection of tall Raya Gopurams or gateways and the Kalyanamandapam with carved pillars in the temple grounds are two of the most notable aspects of Vijayanagara architecture, according to statement 1. The carved carvings on the pillars had distinguishing characteristics. Some large temples have large mandapams with 100 pillars or even 1,000 pillars. In these pillars, the horse was by far the most prevalent animal. On certain occasions, the deity was seated in these mandapams. During this time, several Amman shrines were also added to the already existent temples.

Q10. Take into account the following statements regarding Vijayanagara Empire’s social life:

1. Silk and cotton clothing were popular choices for attire.
2. Both gambling and cockfighting were done for entertainment.
3. The slave trade was ended.
4. Only followers of the Hindu religion were permitted to work in governmental administration.

Using the codes below, choose the right response.

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 and 4 only
3. 1, 2 and 3 only
4. 2, 3 and 4 only

A – Explanation:

Statement 1: People also used flowers, decorations, and perfumes. Paes makes reference to the lavish homes of the wealthy as well as the numerous domestic servants that live in them. Nicolo Conti makes reference to the presence of slavery in statements 2 and 3. Some of the entertainment included dancing, music, wrestling, gambling, and cockfighting. However, all rulers were accepting of different religions. Borbosa made reference to the universal religious freedom that all people enjoyed. Muslims were employed in the government and had complete freedom to erect mosques and practise their religion. During this time, a great deal of temples were constructed, and many festivals were held. It was common practise to attach dancing females to temples. The flourishing devadasi system is referred to by Paes. The royal families were prone to polygamy. Nuniz describes the honours bestowed upon Sati.